Zito Finds Comfort Zone

Last night may have been my favorite Barry Zito start of the year. This doesn't mean I thought it was his most exciting. In fact, this start qualifies as my favorite because it was completely average. For the first time all season, I did not feel nervous watching him pitch. I wrote yesterday that we would probably get a strong indication of what to expect from Zito for the rest of the season, and I think that is what we received. Now fourth in the rotation, Zito appears remarkably adequate. He pitched six innings, gave up three runs, and struck out five against a bad team. These are perfectly respectable numbers for a fourth or fifth starter on a team with a really good pitching staff. In all seriousness, that is where Zito may feel most comfortable, and perhaps where he will be most effective.